Does Pizza Hut Contain Nuts? (All You Need To Know)
Last updated on September 11th, 2023 at 02:13 pm
It’s difficult for people with specific allergies to enjoy all kinds of foods. That’s why eating outside can be pretty tricky.
If Pizza Hut is on the top list of restaurants you want to try, you should understand what they offer.
Fortunately, Pizza Hut doesn’t only make tasty pizzas but also makes provisions for people with allergies.
Therefore, it’s not surprising you want to know if this pizza chain contains nuts if you’re sensitive to nuts.
Pizza Hut doesn’t use nuts for their pizzas and other dishes. However, they warn that their products are at risk of exposure to peanuts and tree nuts. Moreover, other manufacturers that supply food to their chains can use these ingredients. Therefore, they don’t guarantee that their dishes are 100% free from these allergens.
In this article, I’ll answer the question about whether or not Pizza Hut contains nuts or uses peanut oil. In addition, you’d know if this pizza chain is allergy safe.
Finally, in the end, you’d know the allergens this brand has.
Does Pizza Hut Pizza Have Nuts?
No, Pizza Hut pizza doesn’t have nuts. According to their allergen information guide, their pizza doesn’t contain nuts as part of the ingredients.
However, Pizza Hut states that manufacturers that supply to their various outlets may use these nuts, which can contaminate their products.
First, Nuts are hard-shell fruits that can be eaten and used for cooking. Two types of nuts are part of the common food allergies: tree nuts and peanuts.
Tree nuts grow on trees and include Brazil nuts, walnuts, etc. Tree nut allergies affect about 0.5-1% of the US population.
On the other hand, peanuts grow underground and allergic reactions are also prevalent.
Both peanuts and tree nuts allergies can be very severe. So, Pizza Hut doesn’t use these nuts in their pizza and other dishes.
Notwithstanding, Pizza Hut doesn’t guarantee their pizza is 100% safe from these allergens.
It explains that their products are at risk of exposure to them at manufacturing sites and stores.
Below is a table showing some pizza bases, sauces, toppings, and sides that may contain traces of nuts from cross-contamination.
| Dishes | Presence of Traces |
|---|---|
| Pan pizza base | Maybe cross-contaminated at the pizza store |
| Italian pizza base | Maybe cross-contaminated at the store |
| Barbeque sauce | Maybe cross-contaminated at the store |
| Buffalo sauce | Maybe cross-contaminated at the store |
| Macaroni cheese pasta | Maybe cross-contaminated at the supplier’s manufacturing site |
| Breaded chicken strip | Maybe cross-contaminated by peanuts at the supplier’s manufacturing site. |
Furthermore, other dishes at Pizza Hut may contain traces of peanuts and tree nuts.
So, ensure to check their allergen information chart before making your orders.
Does Pizza Hut Use Peanut Oil?
No, Pizza Hut doesn’t use peanut oil. Peanut oil is also known as groundnut oil, a derivative of peanuts. It’s one of the healthy choices for cooking.
However, Pizza Hut doesn’t use peanut oil for its dishes. Instead, it uses soy oil for the dough for its pizza base and canola oil for frying.
Soybean and canola oil also has several health benefits and is a good alternative for peanut oil. However, some people are also allergic to soybean oil.
Although Pizza Hut doesn’t use peanut oil, it can cross-contaminate any products at the store or manufacturing site.
Is Pizza Hut Allergy Safe?
No, Pizza Hut isn’t allergy safe. Although Pizza Hut makes an effort to take care of people with food allergies, it also needs some of these items for its products.
So, while those with allergies have to order cautiously and avoid specific menus, people with allergies can order what they want.
Some of these allergens are present as ingredients in the foods, while some are present as traces through cross-contamination.
In addition, some of these allergens are present in the air. For instance, people with gluten sensitivity can have a reaction when they inhale airborne flour that contains gluten.
Below is what you should do to stay safe when making your order in Pizza Hut if you’ve any food allergies:
#1. Check Their Allergen Information
Pizza Hut provides an allergen information chart containing all its ingredients and allergens.
This chart guides customers, especially those with food allergies, in making their orders. You can locate this guide on their website.
#2. Talk to a Manager
There’s always someone in charge at a Pizza Hut outlet. So talk to a manager to ensure you get a better service.
#3. Make Your Orders Carefully
Finally, you should make your orders carefully. Apart from the pizza base, nuts traces can be present in the toppings, sauce, pasta, and desserts.
You should check all of these before making your orders.
What Are the Allergic Ingredients In Pizza Hut Pizza?
There are various allergic ingredients in Pizza Hut pizza. They can be in the pizza dough, toppings, sauce, or sides.
Pizza Hut provides information on these allergic ingredients in their allergen information guide.
It’s important always to consult this guide if you’ve any food allergies, as the reaction to these allergens can be fatal.
Below are the allergic ingredients in Pizza Hut pizza:
#1. Gluten
Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye, oats, and barley. Several menus at Pizza Hut contain this protein above 20 ppm (parts per million.)
However, the FDA certifies dishes that contain gluten less than 20 ppm as gluten-free.
So, pizza menus with gluten less than 20 ppm are considered safe for people with gluten sensitivity. However, people with celiac disease should take extra caution.
Besides the Udi pizza crust, most pizza dough crust contains gluten above 20 ppm. Also, chicken wings and some toppings contain this allergen.
So, the Udi pizza crust is the best choice for people with gluten allergies. However, there are concerns about cross-contamination.
#2. Milk
Milk is another typical food allergen found in some Pizza Hut pizzas.
If you’re allergic to milk, you should avoid menus containing dairy. For instance, cheese is one of the toppings for pizza. However, it contains milk, and you should avoid it.
In addition, pepperoni, buffalo chicken, and BBQ chicken are some of the toppings you should avoid for your pizzas if you’ve got a milk allergy.
#3. Egg
Eggs are not a very common ingredient in Pizza Hut. However, a few pizza dough and other dishes contain eggs. Also, some of their pizza menus may contain traces.
#4. Soy
Soy is another ingredient of concern at Pizza Hut. Some of their pizza crust, especially the rectangular slices, contains soy.
Also, some toppings and sauces may contain soy. So, if you’ve soy allergen, check their allergen information chart for proper guidance.
#5. Wheat
You may have a wheat allergy and not gluten intolerance. Wheat is a common ingredient in many pizza crusts at Pizza Hut.
You should check their allergen guide or talk to the manager to make an order for pizza crust without wheat.
Udi pizza crust is the best option.
#6. Sesame Seed
Sesame seeds and their products are other allergens that are present in traces on Pizza Hut’s menu.
#7. Sulfites
Sulfites are another allergen present as ingredients in a few menus. So if you’ve got this allergy, check the allergy chart.
#8. Yeast
Though uncommon, there are people with yeast allergies. Some researchers believe people react to the protein in yeast.
So, if you’ve got a yeast allergy, ask questions properly before making your order.
#9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another allergen in some of Pizza Hut’s toppings and sauces. So, choose your toppings and sauce carefully if you have a tomato allergy.
